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Kroger reports 2015 record profits and thousands of jobs created

The nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer released record annual profits on Thursday, while also noting it created 9,000 jobs last year across its 35-state footprint.

The Kroger Co.’s total sales including fuel and the impact of last year’s merger with Roundy’s increased 1.3 percent to $109.8 billion in fiscal year 2015, which ended Jan. 30. That compares to 2014 sales of $108.5 billion, according to the Cincinnati-based company.

Last year profits reached a record $2.04 billion, which Kroger spokesman Keith Dailey confirmed is a new record.

The grocer employs more than 431,000 people working at almost 3,000 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 35 states and the District of Columbia under multiple brand names such as Kroger and Harris Teeter.

Kroger’s total active workforce grew by more than 9,000 nationwide during the 2015 budget year of which over 7,000 of those hired were veterans, the company added when reporting financial results.

More than 90 percent of new jobs are in the company’s supermarket divisions ranging from full-time department heads and assistant store managers to part-time courtesy clerks and cashiers, according to the company.

“Kroger is a place where people can come for a job and stay for a career,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rodney McMullen in a written statement. “Our growth strategy is creating even more opportunities for our people, including leaders at all levels. We believe this opportunity culture is a differentiator for Kroger.”